You can get into this job through: A common way
into this job is through a graduate training scheme. Most degree subjects are acceptable for NHS General Management training. Entry is usually with an upper second class degree or above. As part of your training you will work towards a Postgraduate Diploma in Healthcare Leadership. Find out more about the NHS General Management graduate scheme. For some NHS specialist managerial roles you may
need a degree in a recommended subject. The NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme has more information. Some private healthcare providers also offer graduate general management schemes. You'll usually need: ApprenticeshipYou could gain relevant skills and knowledge for this job through a Chartered manager degree apprenticeship. This typically takes 4 years to complete as a mix of learning in the workplace and off-the-job study at an approved university. Entry requirementsYou'll usually need:
More Information
WorkYou can get into health service management by working your way up from an administrative or clinical role within the NHS. You're likely to need 4 to 5 GCSE grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and possibly A levels or equivalent for an administrator role. With experience, you can move up to supervisory or management level. You can find useful courses to help you do this through the Institute of Administrative Management. The MSc in Healthcare Leadership is suitable for doctors, pharmacists, allied health professionals, nurses, midwives and non-clinical staff who want to advance into a senior management position. Direct ApplicationYou can apply directly if you already have management experience from the private, public or voluntary sector. More InformationProfessional and industry bodiesYou could apply to become a member of the Institute of Healthcare Management. This would give you access to professional development opportunities and professional recognition. Further informationYou can find out more about becoming a health service manager from Health Careers. What it takesSkills and knowledgeYou'll need:
What you'll doDay-to-day tasksAs part of your day-to-day duties, you could:
Working environmentYou could work in an NHS or private hospital, at a health centre or at a GP practice. Career path and progressionYou'll increase your chances for career progression if you complete a higher level management qualification, like a Master's in Business Administration (MBA) or a diploma in management studies (DMS). You could also apply for jobs at director or chief executive level. Current opportunitiesApprenticeships In EnglandCourses In EnglandJobs In the United KingdomThe Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available. Health service managers are responsible for the financial, strategic and daily operations of running a hospital, GP practice or community health service As a health service manager, you'll work in either an NHS setting or the private healthcare sector. In this role, you'll manage the cost, delivery and quality of healthcare services. You'll work with both clinical and non-clinical staff, as well as other partner organisations, while considering the demands of political policy and local circumstances. The work you do can varies depending on the area you specialise in. For example, you could manage an ambulance service, GP practice or community health service team, be responsible for a division of staff and a multi-million pound budget in a hospital trust, or manage mental health services across many sites. Types of health service manager workA range of managerial roles exists within health services across many areas, including:
Find out more about the roles in health service management. ResponsibilitiesAs a health service manager, you'll need to:
Salary
For details of salary scales within the NHS, see Agenda for change (AfC) pay rates. NHS employees may receive a range of additional benefits including interest-free season ticket loans and staff discounts on a range of products, services and leisure activities. Salaries for private-sector management schemes and health service manager roles may vary. Income figures are intended as a guide only. Working hoursYou'll typically work 9am to 5pm, although in certain roles and specialist areas you may need to work shifts. As a manager you may be on-call during evenings or weekends and you should expect to work extra hours during certain periods. There are often opportunities to work part time or to job share. What to expect
QualificationsGraduates with a minimum 2:2 degree in any subject can apply to the NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme. This fast-track leadership development programme prepares you for a senior role in health service management. The following subjects may be particularly suitable:
You can also apply if you have a postgraduate qualification (MBA, Masters, PhD) or a health or management-related degree-level equivalent qualification. In England, there are six specialist areas on the graduate scheme:
As you can only apply to one specialism per intake, research each area and think carefully about which specialism is right for you. Competition for places is fierce and you'll need to complete an online application followed by a series of online assessments. If successful, you'll then be invited to take part in a half-day virtual assessment. If you're particularly interested in health policy, the Department of Health and Social Care runs a three-year Health Policy Fast Track Scheme. You'll need a 2:1 degree minimum in any subject to apply to this scheme. Separate graduate management schemes are run in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. See individual websites for specific information and key dates:
Some private-sector providers have their own graduate management training schemes. Check individual websites for more information. You can also apply directly for junior health service management roles with a relevant degree, equivalent vocational qualification or the Level 6 Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship (CMDA). It's possible to join at administrator level with GCSEs, or equivalent qualifications, and work your way up, gaining promotion through junior management roles. NHS apprenticeships are also available at various levels in areas such as management, business administration and HR, and IT. Experienced staff from other backgrounds, such as nurses, doctors and therapists, can move into general management roles. You can also move into health service management if you've got management experience from other sectors. SkillsYou'll need to have:
Work experienceAlthough you don't need any specific work experience to get a place on the NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme, you'll need knowledge of the current issues and challenges facing the NHS. Work experience, a work placement or voluntary work in a health service environment will help you gain an insight into the sector. This experience will be particularly useful at the interview stage as you will be able to talk about and reflect on your experiences. To work as a health service manager in the NHS or private sector, you'll usually need experience in the area you want to work in as well as an understanding of the health sector. Find out more about the different kinds of work experience and internships that are available. EmployersHealth service managers are employed by the NHS in hospitals, general practitioner (GP) surgeries and community health services. Opportunities are also available in the private healthcare sector. There are also health service manager opportunities in the armed forces. Look for job vacancies at:
Many NHS Authorities and Trusts also have their own vacancy bulletins. Professional developmentIf you're on the NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme, you'll be employed on a fixed-term contract and receive a salary. The scheme lasts for two years (30 months for the finance specialism) and includes a combination of structured work placements and formal management training, projects and attachments. As part of the training, you'll complete a professional or postgraduate qualification, depending on your specialism. Throughout your training you'll receive mentoring and support from experienced managers and will work in diverse areas of the NHS across a particular region. The NHS Leadership Academy provides a range of management programmes and resources for those who are interested in leadership or are already in a leadership role and want to further develop their management skills. If you're not on a graduate management scheme, you may still have access to other in-service management training programmes. Continuing professional development (CPD) is important, and as you progress you're likely to need a professional qualification (if you don't already one) from a relevant body, for example the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development if you're working in HR. You may also need an MBA (Master of Business Administration). Membership of the Institute of Health and Social Care Management (IHSCM) is also useful as this provides you with access to a range of benefits, including:
To become a full member of the IHSCM and use the initials MIHSCM after your name, you will need two years’ demonstrable management experience within health or social care. Leadership and management qualifications are offered by a range of organisations such as the ILM and the CMI. Career prospectsAlthough you're not guaranteed a job after completing the NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme, you are helped to secure your first management post. The opportunities available will depend on your specialism and you can work in a community or hospital setting, and in policy development and operational or strategic planning. Leadership responsibility starts early and your career should advance quickly. It's possible to move into director or chief executive roles within ten years of completing your training. If you've entered directly into a junior management role, or have moved up from an administrative role into junior management, you can enhance your career prospects by taking professional qualifications in management and/or relevant specialist areas such as facilities management, human resources (HR) or finance. These are particularly important for jobs at the most senior level. In general, flexibility and geographical mobility can help you progress your career as you can move to where the opportunities are. Are healthcare managers in demand?Employment of medical and health services managers is projected to grow 28 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 56,600 openings for medical and health services managers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
What degree do you need to be a health service manager?Entry is usually with an upper second class degree or above. As part of your training you will work towards a Postgraduate Diploma in Healthcare Leadership. Find out more about the NHS General Management graduate scheme. For some NHS specialist managerial roles you may need a degree in a recommended subject.
How long does it take to become a medical and health services manager?This typically takes four years to complete. Students enrolling in a four-year bachelor's degree program can usually choose from a few different majors to enter the medical and health services field. Medical and health services managers education includes medical and business and management related courses.
What are the daily duties of a medical services manager?Health service manager: job description. directing, coordinating and administering medical and non-medical resources, facilities and services.. liaising with clerical, medical and professional staff at all levels.. developing services and implementing changes.. recruiting staff.. attending meetings.. writing reports.. |